Casey On Ryder Cup: "Rookies aren’t what they used to be."

While it's tempting to study the FedExCup standings for deep, hidden meaning, I'd say hold off through round one of The Barclays.

In the meantime, the Ryder Cup roster dramas are far more interesting, especially on the European side where Captain Darren Clarke is thought to be leery of adding more rookies with his picks, making some wonder if Russell Knox will get passed up for a deserving Ryder Cup sport.

So Paul Casey, who is passing up the chance to play for Europe, clarifies that the rookie label is overrated these days. Given the performance of Spieth and Reed in 2014, he may be right.

From Jim McCabe's Golfweek.com report:

“Let’s face it, he would have been qualified had he been a member when he won the HSBC (Champions in China),” said Casey.

And to suggestions that adding Knox, who has never played in the Ryder Cup, to a European side that already had five rookies earn automatic berths, Casey brushed it aside.

“I don’t see Russell as a rookie,” Casey said of the 31-year-old Scotsman who has had a breakout season. “He’s been out here long enough and besides, rookies aren’t scared anymore. Rookies aren’t what they used to be.”

In the U.S.A. chase to be in the top eight after The Barclays, McCabe kindly calls it a tournament within the tournament. For Rickie, this week is all about Ryder Cup points...